Foul play ruled out in death of woman found in burning car

(Stock picture)

Ralph Riegel

December 18 2018 06:56 PM

FOUL play has been ruled out in the death of a woman found in a burning car in Cork.

A post mortem examination was conducted on the woman, aged in her 50s, at Cork University Hospital (CUH) today.

It revealed so sign of foul play.

Garda sources indicated the matter is now being treated as a tragedy.

The body of the woman, who has not been named, was found in the burning vehicle off the R618 Inniscarra Road on the outskirts of Cork city at 6.15pm on Monday.

The shocking discovery was made when a passerby noticed a vehicle on fire not far from a popular local pub.

Such was the heat of the fire people were unable to gain access to the vehicle to help the occupant.

Cork Fire Brigade were notified and managed to quickly extinguish the blaze.

Tragically, the body of the car's sole occupant was found in the vehicle.

The woman, who is from Cork city, had suffered extensive burn injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene before she could be transferred to hospital.

Such was the ferocity of the blaze, the vehicle was entirely destroyed.

Gardaí stressed that the nature of their investigation would be determined by the post mortem examination findings.

The scene was preserved for a full forensic examination.

Gardaí have appealed to anyone who travelled along the R618 Inniscarra Road between approximately 5.30pm and 6.15pm or can assist with their enquiries to contact them at Gurranabraher Garda Station 021-4946200 or the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111.

Key statements have already been obtained from a number of people who were in the area at the time.

A file on the matter will now be prepared for the Cork Coroner Philip Comyn.